Running a "server"

very few of us have legitimate servers, but that doesn't mean you can't run the server client from your computer.

the more RAM you can devote to the server the better, but you probably dont want to go under 1.5 gigs if you want multiple people to play

if you're running it on the same computer as you run minecraft you have to consider that minecraft will be eating a lot of your memory even without the server. depending on your settings it can use as much as (estimate) 2 gigs and as little as half a gig

since most modern laptops have at least 4 gigs and desktops are 6ish base that shouldnt be too rough. just close itunes first.

next step is to install the server
install

i like bukkit a lot. mostly because of the plugins that can go with it, i'll be making another post about my favorite one later.
plugin list

how to install plugins:

to clarify, if a server has a plugin installed, its available for use for all players -- they do not need to do anything to be able to use it. they can only use it on the server where its installed (and they are given access to it)

EDIT: 512mb will cover about 5 players as long as they are in the same general chunk zone as eachother.

which is better to use canary or bukkit?

Ive never heard of canary
Id say bukkit

ok thanks

can i run bukkit with more ram?

you can use as much as you let/is possible for java to allocate

32 bit java maxes at 4gb
64 bit java maxes at more then you have

i am trying to convert my old server to 1.6, but when i try to run bukket on it. it goes back to 1.5. why is it doing this and what can i do to fix it.

i dont really handle the server maintenance on that level (really the only important level)
so i dont know the answer to your question

i do know that the bukkit forums would be able to help you though
id check there